Ireland will not participate in 2027 Eurovision, broadcaster announces, citing situation in Gaza

SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 15:30Updated: SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 16:17Ireland will not take part in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, Irish public broadcaster RTÉ announced on Thursday."RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation cannot be justified given the appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there, which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk," the broadcaster wrote in its statement.RTÉ also stated that it remains "deeply concerned by the continued denial of independent access to international journalists to the territory."Martin Green, the director of the contest, said that the European Broadcasting Union regretted the Irish broadcaster’s choice, but "fully respects their decision.”This is a developing story.Follow us on Google